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CHRISTMAS UNDER THREE FLAGS 



J\ merry gbri$tma$ to One and Jill 



£bri$tmas Under Cbree flag* 



BEING MEMORIES OF HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES IN 
THE WHITE HOUSE WITH "OLD HICKORY," 
IN THE PALACE OF H. R. H. PRINCE OF 
PRUSSIA. AFTERWARDS EMPEROR WILLIAM I., 
AND AT THE ALAMO WITH THE ALCALDE'S 
DAUGHTER. 



Mary Emily Donelson Wilcox 



Illustrated 



Washington 

Published by Cbe neak Company 

mem 



170 



3 



Library of 

Two Copies Received 
JAN 2 1901 

«&.£$ 

SECOND COPY 

OOKOTfh 

OR0£« omsmi 
m 2 1901 






Copyrighted, 1900, by Mary Emily Donelson Wilcox 












LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO THE DEHR 

DAUGHTER WHO DEDICATES 

HER LITE TO i N IE 



CONTENTS 

Sancta Claus at the White House in 

Old Hickory's Day .... 17 

A Royal Christmas Tree, Berlin, 1847 47 

The Alcalde's Daughter and Her 

Christmas Lamp 71 



LIST Or ILLUSTRATIONS 



«« 



The Model American Home 6 

Andrew Jackson 16 

Mrs. Andrew Jackson 21 

Mrs. Emily Donelson 29 

Rachel Donelson 33 

Martin Van Buren 41 

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin 49 

Louise, Queen of Prussia, and her Sons Frederic 

William and William 53 

The Old Sans Souci Mill 61 

William I.. Emperor of Germany 65 

The Alamo 73 

The Alcalde's Daughter 81 

San Fernando Cathedral . . . . . .89 













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Andrew Jackson 



Wet 



JAN 2 1901 



SANCTft CLAUS AT THE WHITE 
HOUSE IN OLD HICKORY'S DAY. 



fs«^ 



THROUGH the mist of years I recall a Merry 
Christmas in my childhood's home long ago, 
and sweeter than music across still waters come 
memories of the blessed influences voicing in that 
historic mansion on that memorable occasion the 
glad tidings from Bethlehem: "Peace on earth, 
good will towards men." The White House, 
always an ideal domestic center, was, during 
President Jackson's occupancy, the model American 
home — love, kindness and charity guarding it like 
sentries, happiness and content overshadowing it 
like angel wings. Known to the world as the man 
whose iron will and fierce, ungovernable temper 
defied opposition and courted antagonism, he was 
the gentlest, tenderest, most patient of men at his 
own fireside. His household included the families 



Christmas Under Three ricigs 

of his adopted son and private secretary, and Mrs. 
Donelson and Mrs. Jackson, handsome, accom- 
plished, reined; Major Donelson and Mr. Jackson, 
brave, cultured, public-spirited, ably assisted him in 
discharging- his high duties, and by their tact and 
grace obtained for his administration its unequaled 
social prestige. Loving, enjoying children as child- 
less old people often do, and never so happy as 
when giving happiness to others, he made life for 
us little ones, — Donelsons, four ; Jacksons, two,— 
clustering around his knee as around a doting- 
grandfather's, well worth living. 

Among the many bright incidents associated 
with the special Christmas so pleasantly remembered 
to-day were an East Room frolic and an unforgetable 
visit from Sancta Clans. The invitations for the 
former, which was probably the most enjoyable and 
successful juvenile fete ever given at the National 
Capital, read: "The children of President Jackson's 
family request you to join them on Christmas Day, 
at four o'clock P. M., in a frolic in the East Room. 
Washington, December 19, I835." 

Delivering them, receiving the acceptances,— 
there were few regrets, — selecting the games to be 
played and arranging other matters relating thereto, 
proved inexhaustible sources of fun, subordinate 
only to curiosity as to Sancta Clans and his mys- 



m me White House in Old Hickory's Day 

terious movements. His generosity on former 
occasions tempted us to expect great results from 
his next visit, and, wondering whether he would 
come, if so, what he would bring us, how he 
looked and where he lived, we questioned the 
house servants and attendants, with whom we were 
privileged pets and among whom were some most 
interesting personalities ; their answers, however, 
unlike the enchanted oracle in fairy lore, neither 
removing doubt nor confirming hope. 

Mammy, a large, handsome mulatto, saucy and 
good-natured, fussy and domineering, as nursery 
autocrats generally are, and whom we both loved 
and feared, said : " I wish to goodness you children 
would stop talking about old Sindy Klaws. 1 'd 
laugh if, tired of roaming 'round nights, filling 
stockings, he 'd stay at home and roast chestnuts 
by his own fire." 

Jimmy O'Neil, our favorite usher and a typical 
son of Erin, said : " I could tell you lots about 
Saint Patrick, but mighty little about Sindy Klaws. 
I think, however, he and 1 must look alike, for 
Mammy always says when 1 make her a present, 
' Go away, Jimmy, you 're as big a fool as Sindy 
Klaws, always giving people things.' " We shook 
our heads. " No, no, Jimmy ; you are thin as a 
rail, have black, scraggly hair, a long, sharp nose 



Christmas under Three riags 



and no beard, and everybody knows Sancta Claus 
to be fat, squatty, with a red face, long white 
beard and wearing a baggy coat crammed with toys 
and goodies." 

Vivart, the French cook, whose toothsome sweets 
invested him with great importance in our hungry 
eyes and whom we waylaid on his morning visit to 
my mother, said : " 1 no acquaint with Monsieur 
Sancta Claus ; he no live in Paris. In my beautiful 
France across the blue sea les petits enfans never 
ask questions, speak only when spoken to, then with 
modest curtsies and downcast eyes." 

" Ah, ha ! " chuckled Mammy, " Mr. Vivart gives 
you a lesson in manners." 

Hans, the German gardener, whose stories about 
Rhine castles and Black Forest witches and fairies 
were even more relished than the fruit and flowers 
he brought upstairs every morning, said : " I 'm sure 
Kris Kringle will come ; he might forget some 
children, but not White House ones, though 1 think 
it strange he does not hang his pretty things on a 
green tree instead of stuffing them in ugly stockings. 
How 1 wish you could see the beautiful trees which 
the boys and girls in Germany trim and light on 
Christmas Eve, and where they gather to sing songs, 
play games and exchange presents. Heaven seems 
very near at those times." 




Mrs. Andrew Jackson 



/\l tt\e White House in Old Hickory's ixii) 

" Your German trees may be lovely, Hans," said 
Carita, a Mexican embroideress occasionally em- 
ployed by my mother, " but they can't compare with 
the fancy lamps which the Rio Grande ninitos hang 
on poles and bushes near their homes on Christmas 
Eve, and beneath which they find the next morning 
the beautiful gifts left for them by the Infant Jesus 
on His way from heaven to the Virgin's arms." 

She often told us stories descriptive of Mexican 
customs, and had just commenced one about the 
Alcalde's daughter when Mammy called us to put on 
our wraps to go riding with the President, who 
wished us to meet him at the front door. Something- 
like the " Divinity that doth hedge a king " invested 
him in our eyes, and always granting, often antici- 
pating, his wishes, we never dared oppose or disobey 
his orders. While waiting, George, the coachman, 
told us of some bad children who found in their 
Christmas stockings a bundle of peach tree switches 
wrapped in paper labeled : " To be applied when 
spanking has proved insufficient," and said he hoped 
we would fare 1 etter. Now we had on several 
occasions come in close contact with peach tree 
switches, but we did not thank George for reminding 
us of the stinging experiences. 

" To the Orphan Asylum," said the President on 
entering the carriage, in which were several packages, 



Christmas Under Three Plugs 

and up in front was a basket of good things. He 
often drove there, taking me, cousin Rachel (his 
adopted son's daughter and the apple of his eye), 
and John along. It was at that time a small, modest 
structure with a limited number of patients, but its 
foundress, Mrs. Van Ness, had secured for it some 
influential patrons, among whom President Jackson, 
to whom all orphans were objects of tender solicitude, 
was not the least zealous. The following conversa- 
tion enlivened the ride : 

John : " Uncle " (the name affectionately applied 
to him by his wife's nieces and nephews), " did you 
ever see Sancta Clans ? " 

The President, eyeing John curiously over his 
spectacles : " No, my boy ; 1 never did." 

John : " Mammy thinks he '11 not come to-night. 
Did you ever know him to behave that way ? " 

The President : " We can only wait and see. I 
once knew a little boy who not only never heard of 
Christmas or Sancta Clans, but never had a toy in 
his life ; and after the death of his mother, a pure, 
saintly woman, had neither home nor friends." 

Chorus of children : " Poor little fellow! Had 
he come to the White House we would have shared 
our playthings with him." 

The children, quick to detect emotion, felt that 
some sad memory stirred the old man's heart, though 



m the White House in Old Hickory's Dag 

we little suspected he was referring to his own deso- 
late childhood. 

The President, after some moments' silence : 
" The best way to secure happiness is to bestow it 
on others, and we '11 begin our holiday by remember- 
ing the little ones who have no mothers or fathers to 
brighten life for them." To the sweet-faced matron 
who welcomed us he said : " Here I am with some 
Christmas cheer for your young charges." The 
children gathered in the reception room, and it was 
gratifying to see their faces light up as, greeting each 
one, he distributed his gifts, and even more gratifying 
was it to note his pleasure at their grateful surprise. 
Raising in his arms a crippled boy, who replied to his 
inquiry, " Better, General ; but, oh ! so tired," he gave 
him a jumping-jack, saying: " Let 's see how this 
works," and the delighted child cried: "Ain't that 
cute? Hopping up and down just like an organ 
grinder's monkey." 

The day, warm and bright, was more like May 
than December; the parks, then only grassy commons 
shaded by native trees, were still green, and the 
roses in the grounds adjoining all buildings were 
still in full bloom. 

Returning home we called at several houses to 
leave Christmas souvenirs sent by my mother and 
Mrs. Jackson: a package of snuff for Mrs. Madison, 



Christmas Under Three Flags 

then visiting - Washington relatives ; a hand-painted 
mirror for Mr. Van Buren, who was reputed to be 
on very good terms with his looking-glass, and some 
embroidered handkerchiefs (Carita's handiwork) for 
intimate friends. 

During President Jackson's incumbency the 
White House family, children included, except on 
state occasions, met at meal time, breakfast being at 
eight o'clock, dinner at two, and supper at half-past 
six. Mrs. Donelson sat at the head of the table, the 
President at the foot ; we stood at our chairs until 
he asked a blessing, and at the close of meals were 
excused by a signal— smile or gesture — from my 
mother. Always serving the children first, saying 
they have better appetites, less patience, and should 
not be required to wait until their elders are helped, 
he encouraged us to talk and ask questions, evidently 
enjoying our remarks. He often rose early and 
went with us to Jackson (now La Fayette) Square 
for a game of mumble-the-peg, and occasionally, 
when supposed to be wrestling with state problems, 
hurling anathemas at Clay, Biddle, Adams, and 
other opponents, he might have been found in our 
play-room soothing some childish grievance or join- 
ing in some impromptu romp. 

After supper we began preparations for the all- 
important, eagerly-anticipated event, hanging up our 



;\r H\e White House in Old Hickorv',s bay 

stockings. Uncle had invited us, overruling my 
mother's protest that we might disturb him, to use 
his room, and thither we merrily trooped, he leading 
and apparently deeply interested. My brothers, 
Jackson and John, cousin Rachel and 1 borrowed 
Mammy's stockings, which, as she tipped the beam 
at 200, were as capacious as the Galilee fishermen's 
nets she often referred to. Cousin Rachel and 
brother Jackson hung theirs to side hooks on the 
mantel, I mine to the fancy hearth broom, and John, 
who was a born artist, his to a boot-jack carelessly 
left on Uncle's green leather arm chair ; two smaller 
stockings for the babies, my little sister and young 
cousin, dangled from curtain rings at the foot of the 
bed. In the center of a large, airy, handsomely-fur- 
nished room stood a writing table at which the 
President and his Private Secretary often sat until 
the " wee sma " hours, discussing state matters and 
examining documents relating to them. Amid the 
papers promiscuously piled up thereon was an Old 
Testament that had belonged to his mother, his 
wife's Bible and a frame holding her miniature. 

Surveying with delight the room after we had 
disposed of our stockings, we declared it reminded 
us of the Masonic Bazaar being held, which we had 
attended. Then brother Jackson had a bright idea. 
" Why not hang up a stocking for Uncle ? " and 



Christmas Under Three Flags 

running" to the Bureau he took a sock from the 
bottom drawer, tied it to the tongs and cried : " Now 
let 's see how Sancta Claus will treat you, Mr. Uncle 
Jackson, President of all these United States ! " 
Surprised and amazed, the old man said : " Well, 
well, to think 1 Ve waited nearly seventy years to 
hang up a Christmas stocking." " Better late than 
never," added brother Jackson. 

We begged to be allowed to sit up to see Sancta 
Claus come down the chimney and pass through the 
fire without scorching his bundles, declaring we were 
not sleepy and promising never to be naughty again ; 
then when Mammy hustled us off nolens volens to 
bed, we vowed we 'd lie awake all night, and, still 
protesting, sank into tired childhood's dreamless 
slumber. About daybreak Mammy's shrill voice 
calling " Christmas gift, you sleepy heads ! " 
awoke us, and amazed, indignant, to find we had 
slept soundly after all, we sprang from bed and 
darted in our bare feet, unheeding her cries, " Wait 
till you 're dressed, you '11 catch your death of 
cold," across the hall to Uncle's room and asked, 
" Did Sancta Claus come ? " " See for yourselves," 
said he, opening his door. He was up and dressed, 
had a bright fire, and watched us tenderly, as rushing 
in we seized our stockings, each one, his included, 
being well filled, and beneath them the presents we 




Mrs. Emily Donelson 



A\ H\e White House In Old Hickory's Dav 

specially desired — for him a cob-pipe, pair of warm 
slippers and tobacco bag- ; for brother Jackson, then 
eight years old and very mannish, talking grandly 
about shooting on the fly and jumping the hurdle, 
a small gun, saddle and bridle ; for John a hobby 
horse and drum, for me and cousin Rachel a doll and 
tea-set each, and for the babies toy rattles. Delighted 
we voted Sancta Claus to be the nicest old fellow 
in the world. 

Had we known our real benefactor we would 
have felt some disappointment, dearly as we loved 
him, for the occult has indescribable fascination for 
children, who, though grasping, loving to hoard and 
accumulate, find in the mystery surrounding Sancta 
Claus a charm surpassing even his bounty/ See 
a child spring from bed early Christmas morning, 
grasp and examine its stocking, finding in it long- 
coveted, unlooked-for treasures, meanwhile imagin- 
ing the fat, white-bearded old man crossing, like 
" Puss in Boots," hill and dale, sea and lake, to bring 
it presents, bending perchance over its sleeping form 
to imprint a kiss, then slipping away without waiting 
to be thanked. Can human fancy picture a more 
entrancing scene ? When in after years does any 
moment yield more unalloyed bliss ? 

Mammy, often provoking with her strict notions 
of nursery discipline, outdid herself that morning, 



Christmas Under Three Hags 



: i 



for though we implored her to let us empty our 
stockings just to see if that lump in the toe was a 
dime or quarter, she barbarously put them away, and 
rubbing, scrubbing, combing, curling, as if for dear 
life's sake, dressed us for breakfast. Below stairs 
the halls, dining and sitting rooms decorated with 
cedar and holly, the vases filled with flowers on 
tables and mantels, and huge logs blazing on the 
hearths, made a cheery, comforting scene. 

Though President Jackson had not for years 
used any intoxicants, a bowl of foaming egg-nog 
graced the side-board, and on tables near were 
presents for each member of the household. Mrs. 
Donelson occupied, while mistress of the White 
House, the second-story corner room facing Penn- 
sylvania Avenue, using the one back of it as a 
nursery. In the former three of her children, Mary 
(myself), John and Rachel, credited at the time with 
being the first births in the Executive Mansion, were 
born, her eldest child, Jackson, having been born in 
Tennessee. The President's adopted son and 
daughter occupied the two adjoining rooms, and he 
the central one, now known as the Prince of Wales' 
room because used by his Royal Highness when 
President Buchanan's guest in i860. The play- 
room, belonging to-day to the official suite, was near 
the President's. His bed, a high, four-post carved 




Rachel Donelson 



At the White House in Old I llckory's Dciv 

mahogany, with tester and heavy damask curtains, 
was reached by carpeted steps which we children 
dearly loved to scamper up and down. When ill 
we often carried him his meals, he reciprocating the 
attention when we were confined in bed. Suffering 
from painful respiration, he slept propped up by 
high pillows. Opposite his bed hung his wife's 
portrait with pictures of the two Rachels on either 
side, a standing breakfast question being, " Which 
Rachel did you look at first this morning, uncle ? " 
the lucky one being the morning belle. The author 
and sharer of most of our pleasures, he often shielded 
us from punishment when naughty, and my mother 
once bewailing his over-indulgence, quoted the 
Bible : " Spare the rod and spoil the child," but he 
replied: " I think, Emily, with all due deference to 
the Good Book, that love and patience are better 
disciplinarians than rods." Traveling, he generally 
took along a box of silver half-dollars for his name- 
sakes, then both numerous and ubiquitous, saying 
to their mothers : " Baby can cut teeth on my gift 
now, later show him his country's eagle thereon, 
and teach him to love and honor it." 

We were permitted to spend the morning, and a 
blissful one it proved, in the play-room, where 
Uncle, cousins Sarah and Andrew, my mother and 
father, and some playmates joined us and helped us 



Christmas Under 1 hree nags 



unload our stockings, finding in each a silver quarter, 
fruit, candy, cakes and nuts. Many friends remem- 
bered us, White House children then, as now, excit- 
ing much public interest. Many of cousin Rachel's 
presents were beautiful, and two of mine were so 
unique and pleasure-giving that after all these sad 
years they still loom up shining milestones in child- 
hood's sunny way. Madame Serrurier of the French 
Legation sent me a boy doll wearing the red, brass- 
button jacket, grey, gold-striped pants, plumed 
chapeau, spurs and sabre worn by French postilions. 
My god-father, the Vice-President, sent me a min- 
iature cooking stove with spirit lamp ready to light. 
I had had many handsome dolls, but never a boy doll 
before, and like other foolish mothers welcoming a 
son after a succession of disappointing daughters I 
clasped him in my arms and crowned him lord 
and master of my heart. Wherever I went 
for some weeks some one would ask : " Mary, 
how 's your boy ? " Lighting the lamp in the 
toy stove we boiled water in the tiny kettle and 
popped corn in the oven, shouting gleefully when 
the kettle sang and the corn executed its staccato 
dance, occasionally giving us a hot smack on the 
face or hands. 

The etiquette forbidding ladies presiding over 
Executive Mansions from receiving or returning 
36 



m the White House in Old Hickory's Dav 

social calls was either non est or disregarded at that 
time, for Mrs. Donelson, who was many years the 
junior of any of her predecessors or successors, and 
who had that love of pleasure and desire to please 
natural to young, attractive women, had a large 
visiting list, including most of the ladies prominent 
in social and official circles. Among her intimates 
were Mrs. Macomb, Mrs. R. E. Lee, from Arlington, 
Mrs. Rives, Mrs. Blair, Miss Lizzie Blair, Mrs. Watson 
and her daughters, Misses Cora Livingston and 
Rebecca McLane. Miss Livingston, who was my 
god-mother and mother's dearest friend, was for many 
years the acknowledged belle of Washington, many 
distinguished authors paying homage in familiar 
writings to her rare tact and personal charm and im- 
parting to her social triumphs traditionary interest. 

Not the least of that happy day's diversions was 
making our toilettes for the afternoon fete, and it 
was amusing to see the high and mighty airs Mammy 
assumed on the occasion, changing a bow here, 
supplying a pin there, arranging plaits, ruffles and 
puffs, then when she had finished dressing us survey- 
ing her work as an artist might a completed chef 
d'oeuvre. We wore the costumes presented to us 
by our parents as Christmas gifts — Cousin Rachel, 
who was pretty and graceful, a pink cashmere ; I, a 
blue one ; we both wore silk clock stockings with 



Christinas Under Three Nags 



kid slippers. John was gorgeous in a Highland plaid 
suit, and brother Jackson, who was tall, erect and 
handsome, gave promise in a brass-button jacket of 
the gallant officer he afterwards became. Miss Cora 
Livingston, who kindly volunteered to chaperone the 
frolic, came about four and led the way to the East 
Room, which was tastefully decorated with ever- 
greens and flowering plants. Our guests arrived 
promptly, and meeting them at the door, we kissed 
the girls and shook hands with the boys. The 
former wore light colors, the latter their smartest 
suits, all making a brave showing, though there were 
no elaborate costumes, styled Worth confections and 
suggesting Parisian ballet dancers, like those seen 
nowadays at juvenile gatherings. Among our guests 
were the Woodbury, Blake, Jones, Lee, Macomb, 
Carroll, Graham, Turnbull, Pleasanton, Taney, Cor- 
coran, Peters, and Hobbie children, with all of whom 
we were well acquainted, having dancing-school, Sun- 
day-school, picnic and play-room associations in 
common. A few older guests, Mrs. Madison bringing 
her grand-niece, Addie Cutts ; Mrs. Lee with little 
Custis, Baroness Krudener, Mesdames Huygens and 
Serrurier and Sir Edward Vaughn, joined the Presi- 
dent and members of his family in the Red Room 
and served as spectators of a novel and delightful 
entertainment. 

38 



m the White House In Old Hickory's Dav 

We played " Blind Man's Buff," " Hide and 
Seek," " Puss-in-the-Corner," and several juvenile 
forfeit games, all entered into with zest and thor- 
oughly enjoyed, the East Room proving an ideal 
play-ground, and the players, free and unrestrained 
as if on a Texas prairie, romping, scampering, shout- 
ing, laughing, in all the exuberance of childish merry- 
making. Mr. Van Buren and Miss Cora joined in, 
rather led the games, and added greatly to their suc- 
cess. Several amusing incidents varied their usual 
routine. In " Hide and Seek " the switch, after 
numerous hot and cold signals, was discovered in a 
boy's jacket pocket, where a mischievous girl had 
slipped it, , and in " Puss-in-the-Corner," Willie 

M , provoked with Jennie T for eluding his 

grasp, called out: " You are no pussy, but a slippery 
old cat." 

Washington gossips accused Mrs. Donelson of 
heading a conspiracy to make a match between the 
Vice-President and Miss Cora, but as she married a 
Mr. Barton some years later, and as he never gave 
his children a step-mother, those gossips evidently 
erred then as they occasionally do to-day. The 
failure to catch them together beneath the mistletoe 
bough suspended from the central East Room 
chandelier was probably the only disappointment of 
the evening, all hoping that such a conjunction might 

39 



Christmas Under Three Tlags 



have auspicious results. Mr. Van Buren, having in- 
curred a penalty in a forfeit game, was sentenced to 
stand on one leg and say : 

" Here I stand all ragged and dirty, 
If you don't come kiss me I '11 run like a turkey ! " 

and no kiss being volunteered, he strutted like a game 
gobbler across the room, amid peals of laughter. 
With one exception, the penalties incurred by the 

children were bravely paid. Little Mary , known 

to have a sweet voice, when sentenced to sing " A 
Paper of Pins," hung her head shyly, whispering : 
" I 'd rather dance than sing," then when led out to 
dance she burst out crying, sobbing: " I don't want 
to sing or dance. Please let me alone," and Miss 
Cora, taking hereon her lap, said : " All right, Mary, 
1 '11 pay your forfeit," and sang very sweetly: 

" Oh ! I will give you a paper of pins, 
For that is the way that love begins, 
If you will marry — marry, marry me ! " 

About six o'clock the dining-room was opened, 
displaying a picture of surpassing beauty, one that 
the four seasons and field, forest, and lake had united 
in embellishing. The band stationed in the corridor 
struck up the " President's March," and Miss Cora, 




Martin Van Buren 



m N\e White House in Old Hickory's Dav 



forming: us in line, the younger couples leading, 
marshaled us into supper. The scene of many his- 
toric banquets, commemorating great events and 
shared by world-wide celebrities, that famous room 
never witnessed one in which the decorator's art, or 
the confectioner's skill, achieved greater triumphs — 
Vivart, hailed as Napoleon of Cocks, Master Chef 
de Cuisine, Wizard, Magician, receiving hearty con- 
gratulations on all sides. In the center of a maltese- 
cross-shaped table towered a pyramid of snow-balls, 
interspersed with colored icicles and surmounted by 
a gilt game cock, head erect, wings outspread. At 
the upright ends of the cross were dishes of frozen 
marvels, at the top one representing iced fruits — 
oranges, apples, pears, peaches, grapes ; at the bottom 
one representing iced vegetables — corn, carrots, beans, 
squashes. At one transverse end was a tiny frosted 
pine tree, beneath which huddled a group of toy 
animals ; at the other a miniature rein-deer stood in a 
plateau of water in which disported a number of 
gold-fish. There Were candies, cakes, confections of 
every conceivable design ; delicious viands, relishes 
and beverages. Though almost transfixed with ad- 
miring delight, we did ample justice to the tempting 
repast and eagerly accepted the lovely ornaments 
given us as souvenirs. 

After supper the central pyramid was demolished 



Christmas Under Three Tlags 



and the snow-balls, which were made of non-com- 
bustible starch -coated cotton, each one enclosing a 
French pop-kiss, were distributed to us, and we were 
invited to play snow-ball in the East Room, an in- 
vitation the more joyfully hailed because the winter 
having been exceptionally mild we had been debarred 
our usual snow-ball games. The balls striking ex- 
ploded, and for some moments the East Room was 
the scene of an exciting snow flurry, with the startling 
addition of the thunder and lightning characteristic of 
summer storms. The President, Mrs. Madison, and 
other elderly guests, who had watched the game from 
the southern end of the room, heartily sharing and 
enjoying the children's merriment, were spared, but 
the players, pelting each other unmercifully, looked 
like snow-entrapped wayfarers. It was great fun to 
see them dodging the balls and to hear them scream 
when struck, though the balls, being soft and light, 
caused no bruises and inflicted no damage on clothes 
or furniture. The game, exhilarating and inspiring, 
was provokingly brief, the supply of snow-balls 
being soon exhausted. Then the escorts sent for 
the children having arrived, Miss Cora, giving us 
quietly some instructions, reformed us in line as at 
supper, the band played a lively air and we marched 
several times around the room. The last time, bowing 
to the group at the upper end, we paused before the 



m me White House in Old Hlckorv's Dav 

President, and kissing our hands to him said, " Good- 
night, General " ; he smiling and bowing in return. 
" What a beautiful sight," said Mrs. Madison. " It 
reminds me of the fairy procession in ' Midsummer 
Night's Dream.' " " It recalls to me, Madam," said 
the President, " our Divine Master's words: ' Suffer 
little children to come unto me and forbid them not, 
for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' " 




A ROYAL CHRISTMAS TREE 
BERLIN, 1547 



Among our Berlin acquaintances whom daily 
association transformed into friends was 
Hermina, eldest daughter of Field Marshal von 
Boyen, who as Blucher's aid at Waterloo had greatly 
distinguished himself. Fraulein von Boyen, who 
was beautiful, tactful and accomplished, was one of 
the Ladies-in-waiting on the Princess of Prussia, and 
enjoyed in an exalted degree her royal mistress' 
esteem and confidence. Knowing we had never 
participated in a Christmas Tree Celebration and 
would consider doing so an inestimable privilege, 
she offered to obtain for us an invitation to the 
Christmas Eve festival at the palace of H. R. H. the 
Prince of Prussia. Hence when a liveried courier 
delivered at the American Legation an envelope 
bearing the royal crest we were not surprised, though 

47 



Christmas Under Three nags 



immeasurably delighted. The invitation read : '' H. 
R. H. Crown Princess of Prussia requests the presence 
of Misses Mary and Rachel and Master John Donel- 
son at the palace of H. R. H. Prince of Prussia, 
December 24, 1847, at three o'clock P. M— R. S. 
V. P." Little republicans though we were, with 
democratic ideas of social equality, we were much 
elated at the prospect of witnessing a function 
affording a glimpse of the inner relations of royal 
circles. 

The best season to observe those domestic cus- 
toms, associated with German life and so influential 
in moulding German character, is Christmas ; the 
best place is the parental roof, and nothing so 
eloquently illustrates the simple faith, the honest 
trust, the love and sympathy, which make German 
homes such centers of peace and content, as the 
family Christmas tree. 

Every soldier in camp or barracks, every sailor on 
shore or in harbor, all employes of stores or factories, 
in private or public bureaus, that can be spared, are 
granted furloughs, to be spent with the old folks at 
home. Gift-making becomes epidemic, all yielding 
to the infection. Generally, immediately after the 
holidays the females of the household begin pre- 
paring gifts for the next Christmas, which include, 
besides dainty knick-knacks, exquisite embroideries 
4 s 





H 


STM^' *'* ■" 




1 ^ 


PC 








03 

2 

3 
Q. 
a 

3 
CT 

c 
rJ3 






O 
si 

? 

03 

3" 




^■1 BBHurf"^ 




Harp 











A Rogal Christmas Tree 



and costly keepsakes, useful, serviceable articles, 
such as flannels, shoes, stockings, underwear, house 
linen, wraps and head-gear. Many touching legends 
illustrate the kindly sentiments inspired by the 
occasion. 

A little girl whose mother, a poor widow, had 
told her not to expect any presents, borrowed pencil 
and paper, and writing the following letter, addressed 
11 Holy Child, care of God The Father," dropped it 
in the City Post- Office : " Dear Jesus : Mamma 
says we are too poor to celebrate your birth-night, 
but remembering that you were cradled in a manger 
and once were poor and lowly, I ask you to have 
pity on me. I want, oh, so much, dear Lord ! a 
new dress, a red rosette for my Sunday hat, and 
some shoes — wooden ones will do. Gretchen, No. 
10, 5th floor, Poverty Row." Her mother took her 
after dinner to visit the shops and street bazaars, 
saying: " Seeing pretty things is almost as nice as 
having them." Imagine Gretchen's surprise on re- 
turning home to find a small tree, trimmed and 
ready to light, in their garret, and beneath it, in ad- 
dition to the things she had mentioned, a shawl for 
her mother and a package of cakes and nuts. 

The lover of Roschen, a royal kitchen maid, had 
been convicted of larceny and imprisoned. Her 
master, a liberal, kind-hearted prince, ordered his 



Christmas Under Three Hags 



steward to distribute, as usual on Christmas, slips of 
paper to the under-maids with directions to write 
thereon the gifts they preferred. On Roschen's slip 
was written: "Most gracious highness: I appeal 
through you to God for poor Hans, who, though he 
stole, is a fine fellow and very dear to me. That 
money was stolen to buy our wedding ring. Pardon 
him this once and I guarantee he '11 lead henceforth 
an honest life." On the servants' tree was a box for 
Roschen enclosing Hans' pardon and money to buy 
wedding suits for each. 

As Frederic William the Fourth was childless, his 
brother William was declared heir presumptive and 
known as Prince of Prussia. Cultured, refined, with 
Herculean strength and Apollo-like grace and beauty, 
he was the beau ideal of royalty, adored by nobles 
and burghers. Forming an early attachment for one 
of his mother's maids of honor, he insisted for many 
years — the affection being mutual —on marrying her, 
but when the succession devolved on him he man- 
fully sacrificed individual feeling to dynastic interests 
and contracted an alliance with Augusta, Princess of 
Saxe Weimar. Though both understood that per- 
sonal preference played no part in their union, the 
most critical court gossip could find nothing to con- 
demn in their conjugal relations ; she, like Cassar's 
wife, above suspicion, yielding him wifely obedience; 




Louise, Queen of Prussia, and her Sons 
Frederic William and William 



K Royal Christmas Tree 



he, like Bayard, sans peur et sans reprocbe, uniformly 
tender and attentive. She was tall, stately, with 
regular features, cold, haughty manner, every look 
and gesture suggesting ancestral pride and conscious 
superiority, yet withal capable of warm attachments 
and loyal to. friends once tried. Devoted to art and 
literature, she was the friend and patron of artists 
and scholars, and even when long past middle life 
still devoted her mornings to study. They had two 
children, a son named for the great Frederic and a 
daughter named for that adored Queen Louisa, whose 
heroism in the Napoleonic struggle had won world- 
wide recognition and admiration. The former, 
known in after years as Frederic the Noble, Emperor 
of Germany, was a wilful, intractable boy, repre- 
sented in an unamiable light in many familiar anec- 
dotes, yet his career adorns the brightest page in his 
country's history. The Prince was devoted to these 
children, superintending their physical, mental and 
spiritual development, instilling in their minds correct 
principles and noble aims, and fitting them by study, 
discipline and example for their destined high sta- 
tions. He was standing with Louischen in his arms 
one morning watching a military procession, when 
she, excited by the music, sprang through an open 
window to the street below. Rushing frantically 
down stairs he was relieved to find her in the arms 



Christmas Under Three rings 



of a street urchin who, standing beneath the window, 
caught her as she fell. Of course the boy's fortune 
was made. The Prince, clasping his darling to his 
breast, handed his watch and chain to her rescuer, 
and, taking his name and address, volunteered his 
protection. They were riding together in after years 
in Unter-den- Linden, he German Emperor, she Grand 
Duchess of Baden, when Hoedel made his dastardly 
attempt to assassinate his sovereign, and he springing 
forward to shield his child, accomplished thereby 
his own deliverance. When Nobiling a few months 
afterward, and near the same spot, fired at and 
severely wounded his master, the Emperor's first 
words on recovering from the shock were : " Thank 
God, dear Louischen was not along to-day ! " 

The Prince's palace was built during the Great 
Frederic's reign, and it is recorded that when the 
architect applied for a design the King, who was out 
of humor, said, pointing to a mahogany bureau with 
a zigzag front standing near: " Model it after that, 
adding as little architectural frippery as possible." In 
front stands Ranch's famous statue of the great 
ruler, near by is the Alter Schloss, city residence of 
Prussians monarchs, the new Opera House, and 
many handsome public buildings. 

Christmas Eve, 1847, though bitter cold, was 
bright and' sunny, the air clear and crisp was musi- 
56 



l\ ttoiicii Christmas Tree 



cal with sleigh bells, and the streets, though ice 
bound, were gay with rejoicing crowds evidently 
imbued with holiday influences. Directly after 
breakfast we went to the Thiergarten Lake to wit- 
ness the delightful entertainment given there daily by 
Berlin's far-famed Skating Club. The lake, large, 
smooth, solid, mirroring a translucent sky, seemed 
with its banks lined with brilliantly costumed spec- 
tators, to suggest and invite winter sport. A mili- 
tary band, sheltered in a warm enclosure, played a 
succession of inspiring airs, trained voices often 
joining- in and enthusing both onlookers and per- 
formers. The skaters executing many picturesque 
movements, artistic pantomimes, exciting games, and 
dancing polkas, mazurkas, cotillions, waltzes, were 
reputed the most skilful in the world. Meyerbeer, 
who was a frequent visitor, is said to have conceived 
there the beautiful skating scene in the opera Le 
Prophet e he was then composing. The costumes 
of the skaters were tasteful and appropriate, the girls 
wearing short, narrow, heavy cloth skirts, with tight 
fitting bodices, snug hoods or hats, and a profusion 
of bright bows, rosettes and scarfs. The men were 
mostly in uniform, their gay sashes, brilliant orders 
and decorations enhancing the charm of their lithe, 
graceful figures. There were no accidents, no un- 
toward occurrences, and the glorious morning proved 



^7 



Christmas under Three Tlags 



a delightful prelude to an unforgetable evening. 
Fraulein von Boyen had given us minute directions 
as to our costumes and the prescribed etiquette, say- 
ing: "Dress simply and inexpensively, be careful 
never to turn your backs on royal personages, never 
address remarks or questions to them, allowing them 
the initiative in conversation." 

Promptly at three o'clock we alighted at the 
palace porte cocbere, and ascending the marble steps, 
at the top and bottom of which stood armed senti- 
nels, were received by liveried ushers and conducted 
through the beautiful hall and up the flower-lined 
stairs to the state drawing rooms where a lady-in- 
waiting met us and accompanied us through a number 
of superbly-furnished, beautifully-decorated rooms 
to the salle de musique, where Fraulein von Boyen 
welcomed us, and, escorting us to the centre of the 
salle, presented us to Her Royal Highness, the 
Crown Princess. 

The salle, large and spacious, — tessellated floor, 
frescoed ceiling, walls hung with mirrors and pictures, 
exquisite bronzes and statues alternating with palms, 
ferns and flowering plants, — had at its extreme end 
a flower-trimmed stage, the lowered curtain of which 
suggested a dramatic performance. Rows of hand- 
somely-cushioned arm chairs were in front of the 
stage, and just beyond them stood the Crown Prin- 



t\ Royal Christmas Tree 



cess, surrounded by her royal cousins, children of 
her father's brothers. Among her guests were Lady 
Rose, daughter of Lord Westmoreland, English 
Ambassador, some other youthful members of the 
Diplomatic Corps and about forty or fifty maids 
and youths, children of personal attendants of the 
Princess. 

The Crown Princess, then entering her teens, 
received us without hesitation or timidity, and we 
marveled at her self-possession and familiarity with 
court etiquette ; though modest and gentle, there was 
a notable absence of self-assertion. Dressed in a blue 
challis trimmed with swan's down, her only orna- 
ment was a gold chain around her bare neck from 
which hung a medallion miniature of her grand- 
mother, said to be her father's Christmas present. 
Fair, with blue eyes, light brown hair worn simply 
plaited down her back, she was a perfect type of 
happy, innocent girlhood, her plump, rounded pro- 
portions bespeaking health and strength, her bright, 
expressive face beaming with hope and content. 
The girls were dressed in bright woolens, bare necks 
and arms without ornaments ; the youths wore the 
uniforms of the regiments in which they were enrolled 
as cadets. The Crown Prince, who stood near his 
sister and gracefully assisted her, wore the uniform 
of the Royal Guards, in which he already held a 

59 



Christmas Under Three Plugs 



command. Tall, slender, rather good looking, he 
impressed us as being dignified and refined, though 
grave and reserved. There was some stir when the 
King and Queen, followed by the Prince and Prin- 
cess, entered unannounced. The Crown Princess, 
stepping forward, greeted them cordially, then taking 
first the Queen's, then her mother's, then the King's, 
hands, kissed them respectively. She then took her 
father's, but folding her in his arms he kissed her 
tenderly on the brow. Everybody smiled — a touch 
of nature makes the whole world akin. 

The King and Queen, though plain and un- 
attractive in person and manner, were kind, chari- 
table, devoted to each other, conscientious in the 
discharge of their public duties and universally popu- 
lar. They moved unceremoniously about the salle, 
chatting pleasantly with their niece's guests and 
seemingly finding the scene enjoyable. My brother 
said next day: " At first disappointed, 1 was glad 
the King and Queen did not wear their crowns, for 
if they had they would not have talked so freely with 
us." After the arrival of some other royal personages, 
followed by a number of gorgeously-uniformed 
officers and some handsomely-dressed maids of 
honor, attendants on the Queen and Princess, 
the ladies-in-waiting distributed the programmes, 
gilt-engraved, embossed cards, and escorting the 




6 1 



i\ Royal Christmas Tree 



Queen and Princess to the front chairs, assigned 
us to those in the rear. 
The programme read : 

PANORAMIC PRELUDE. 

FIRST PART. 

Scan's from 1hc Story of the Nativity. 

1st Scene.— Annunciation : Hail Mary! Blessed art thou 
among' women ! 

2nd Scene. — Adoration of the Magi : We hail Thee. King- of 
the Jews. 

3rd Scene. — The Flight into Egypt: Arise, take the young- 
Child, flee into Egypt, and be there until I 
bring thee word. 

4th Scene. — Transfiguration: This is My Beloved Son, in 
Whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him. 

second part. 

Scenes from Prussian History. 

1st Scene. — Economy and Industry kingly attributes: King- 
Frederic noticing a crowd watching a shop- 
window picture, depicting a shabbily-dressed 
old man. a far simile of himself, who, holding 
a coffee-mill, turned the handle with one hand 
and with the other caught the falling coffee 
grains, ordered the picture to be lowered so 
his subjects could see. without craning their 
necks, what a thrifty king they had. 

63 



Christmas Under Three flags 



2nd Scene. — In Prussia Justice outranks Power : An unsightly 
old mill obscuring the view from Sans Souci, 
King Frederic determined to buy and remove 
it. The miller, however, refusing to sell, the 
agent said: "Don't choose to sell, indeed! 
You forget His Majesty can seize your mill and 
clap you in jail." "Not," said the miller, 
" while we have the Kammer-gericht here in 
Berlin." The King, hearing the agent's report, 
said : •• The miller is right ; here in Prussia 
Justice outranks Power." 

3rd Scene. — Honor to whom honor is due : Queen Louisa, 
as patriotic as gracious, visited the Prussian 
camp after the battle of Yena, and with her 
own hands bestowed the order of the Black 
Eagle on those heroes most conspicuous in 
defense of King and Fatherland. 

An invisible choir chanted to pia-no accompani- 
ment during the first part of the program some 
sacred anthems ; during the first two scenes of the 
second part, the " Prussian Battle Hymn," and during 
the last scene, " God Save the Queen," adding 
greatly to the scenic effect. After the curtain fell 
there was an interval of lively, friendly conversation, 
everybody commenting on the Panoramic Prelude 
and pronouncing it excellent, unique, inimitable. We 
were told that the Crown Princess, consulting with 
her governess, had herself selected the scenes, which 
64 




William I., Emperor of Germany 



65 



A" Royal Christmas Tree 



were copies of well-known pictures in the Berlin 
Art Gallery, and managed their arrangement, declin- 
ing the proffered services of some professional 
decorators. It was edifying to note the ill-concealed 
delight of the royal parents at the success of their 
daughter's undertaking, every feature and action be- 
speaking that parental pride which, in prince or 
peasant, nabob or pauper, is more becoming than 
any human adornment. 

About half -past four o'clock a heavy portiere 
quietly opening displayed in an adjoining room a 
large, brilliantly-lighted, artistically-trimmed tree, its 
top almost reaching the ceiling, its outspreading 
branches nearly filling the room. A murmur of de- 
light was heard, and surely no Hesperian garden or 
enchanted forest ever showed a braver specimen. 
The King and Queen and royal personages led the 
way, and, merrily trooping in, almost too eager for 
a nearer view to mind our P's and Q's, we flitted to 
and fro around the tree. The decorations, consist- 
ing of golden fruit, paper flowers and wreathes, 
stuffed birds and animals, with bon-bons, confec- 
tions and ornaments, spangled, tinseled, frosted, of 
every conceivable hue and design, were crowned- by 
a glittering star. Here beneath a tuft of foliage 
would be a bright-plumaged bird with outstretched 
wings, just beyond a squinting owl so life-like we 
6 7 



Christmas Under Three Hags 



shrank from its expected screech ; perched on this 
bough would be a frog or lizard ; on that one a 
squirrel, and above would crouch a glossy leopard. 
Beneath the tree on soft green moss were piled 
the presents — presents for guests, friends, attendants, 
young and old ; generally for the girls, work-baskets, 
needle-cases and toilet dainties ; for the boys, knives, 
pocket-books, fishing and hunting implements. My 
present was a small dressing-case, my sister's a silk 
reticule, my brother's a hunter's horn. 

The Crown Princess was, of course, generously 
remembered, and seemed much pleased with our 
offering, an Indian basket curiously wrought with 
shells, bird feathers and sweet grasses and con- 
taining a pair of moccasins and a watch-case, all 
made by Indians of Northern New York. Neither 
her presents to members of the royal household nor 
theirs to her were displayed. 

Old Baron Humboldt, who was the best-known 
and most popular member of Berlin society, often 
called the court enfant gate (spoiled child), acted as 
Kris Kringle, and played the role to perfection, the 
King and Prince of Prussia serving as his aides and 
leading in the merriment his happy jokes excited. 
The .bon-bons and fancy confections on the tree 
were divided among us and promptly disposed of, 
though the other decorations were undisturbed, the 



7\ Royal Christmas Tree 



tree being intended, presumably, for use on another 
occasion. After the presents had been distributed 
the Baron, turning to the Crown Princess, said with 
mock humility : " Having accomplished my task, I 
await further orders from Your Royal Highness." 
"And I," said she, handing him a box containing a 
gold pen, "order you, honored Baron, to reserve 
this pen for the sonnets and madrigals to be hence- 
forth indited to your lady-loves." These words, the 
Baron being a confirmed old bachelor, never having 
been known in all his life to express a preference for 
any woman, caused a general titter. 

We were invited to partake of a collation in the 
state dining-room — bouillon, eau sucree, cold 
meats, salads, ices, cakes and divers confections. 
The King, Queen and royal personages occupied 
tables at the upper end of the room and enjoyed 
probably a more elaborate menu, with Champagne 
and Johannisberg ; we were at tables lower down, 
the Crown Princess, her brother and royal cousins 
being at one in our midst. The hilarity usual when 
young people, always hungry, enjoy appetizing 
eatables prevailed. 

At the close of the repast the King, Queen and 
other royalties rose and passed down the room, 
bowing right and left. The Crown Princess then 
rose, and, stopping at each table, smilingly bade her 

6-) 



Christmas Under Three hags 



guests good-night. Guided by Fraulein von Boyen 
and the ladies-in-waiting we then returned to the 
Salle de Musique, where, superintending the donning 
of our wraps and being sure that our attendant foot- 
men were on hand, they received our adieux. By 
half past seven we were back at home, having en- 
joyed an entertainment which, though formal and 
ceremonious, punctilious etiquette being observed, 
was free from stiffness or constraint and devoid 
of anything that could offend republican pride. 
Though the marks setting apart those of royal blood 
were unmistakable, what refined courtesy, what 
kindly grace characterized their intercourse with their 
unroyal associates ! There were no suggestions of 
the nouveaux riches or parvenue autocrats, every- 
thing betokening generations of culture and refine- 
ment, ancestral dignity, inherited power and withal a 
simplicity and modesty characteristic of self-respect- 
ing superiority. The costumes of the Queen and 
Princesses were elegant and tasteful, their superb 
satins, velvets, brocades, their sparkling jewels, be- 
coming them as the appropriate setting of rare gems. 
And those brave, lordly men! so chivalric and gentle, 
so noble and courteous. How appropriate seemed 
their orders and decorations. Truly the bravest are 
the tenderest ! 



70 



THE ALCALDE'S DAUGHTER AND 
HER CHRISTMAS LAMP 



LONG years ago, while the Mexican standard still 
waved over the Alamo, San Antonio de Bexar, 
the most flourishing Catholic Mission east of the Rio 
Grande, rejoiced in an Alcalde as famous for wisdom 
and virtue as for piety and goodness. Successful in 
his public enterprises, he was equally fortunate in his 
private relations, having a beautiful wife, an invit- 
ing home, and a brood of stalwart sons. That they 
had no daughter was much regretted by both, Donna 
Inez saying : " Boys serve to perpetuate the name 
and uphold the family honor, but it is the girls who, 
lifting the domestic burden from the mothers' 
shoulders, and cheering, comforting the fathers, 
bless and brighten home," and, when in answer to 
repeated Novenas of prayer and votive offerings, a 
daughter was born to them, they, naming her Maria 



Christmas Under Three Nags 



Jesusa Pepita, gratefully dedicated her to the Virgin. 
Growing in beauty and grace and developing many 
lovable traits, Jesusa more than fulfilled parental 
hopes. Humoring, petting her father, preparing his 
pulque, filling his pipe, she became his daily com- 
panion and the idol of his heart. 

Don Pedro's office, adjoining the Alamo, then 
garrisoned by Mexican troops ordered to report to 
him and serve him when needed, was really the High 
Court of Justice where the Mission officials met to 
consider public matters, whether civil, religious or 
military. His home, the most spacious and preten- 
tious at the Mission, was a one-story, flat-roof adobe 
structure, with about fifteen chambers separated by 
quaint halls, corridors and alcoves, and stood back 
of the Alamo amid extensive grounds, which, 
irrigated by a large acequia, teemed with rare, beauti- 
ful flowers, with orange, lemon and citron trees, 
with vine-covered bowers and arcades almost hidden 
beneath clusters of luscious grapes. Some curious 
animals roamed in these beautiful grounds, and 
among those specially petted and cared for by Jesusa 
were Chihuahua dogs, tricky and playful ; Maltese 
cats, soft-eyed fawns, white rabbits, and a canary 
bird which, as it tuned up when the matin and 
vesper bells rang, was supposed to be under the 
Virgin's protection. Though an earnest defender of 

v~ 




The Alamo 



73 



The Alcalde'^ Daughter* 

the faith, Don Pedro was a devotee of those sports — 
cock fighting, bull fighting, card playing — patro- 
nized by his associates. He had a cock pit in his 
yard for the rearing and training of game cocks, 
where their mettle was often tried Sunday afternoons, 
and on his Salado ranch, where, in spite of frequent 
Indian raids, his family spent much time, he had 
a breed of superior bulls imported from Spain. 

Opposite the Alamo on the slope leading to the 
river stood a number of jacals tenanted by humble 
Mexican families, with one of whom lived a boy and 
girl supposed from their fair complexions, blue eyes 
and light hair, to be stragglers from the western 
white settlements, and who were known as the 
Americanos — the boy being called Cano and the 
girl Cana. Though kindly cared for by their pro- 
tectors — Mexicans are proverbially patient and in- 
dulgent with children — they never affiliated with their 
playmates, but, holding themselves aloof, seemed 
to be ever brooding over some secret sorrow. The 
boy, smart and ingenious, was often seen hanging- 
round the Alamo, where doing odd jobs for the 
garrison and making himself useful, he became a 
great favorite. Jesusa, generous, unselfish, sympa- 
thetic, was as popular with the Mission juveniles as 
the Alcalde with their elders. Noticing Cana watch- 
ing her bird one morning, she invited her to come in 

75 



Christmas Under Three Flags 



and become acquainted with her pets. Children 
easily become friends, a certain free-masonry open- 
ing their hearts and drawing them together, and 
Jesusa, improving the meeting in the garden, became 
the generous patron of Cana, constantly making her 
presents and treating her to unexpected pleasures. 

San Antonio, though isolated from social and 
commercial privileges and almost exclusively ab- 
sorbed in religious interests, was gay and sociable, 
fandangoes, card parties, alfresco banquets, at which 
the famous Mexican dishes — tortillas, tomales, fri- 
joles, chile con carne, dulces con fruta — were 
served in perfection, being of frequent occurrence. 
Holidays abounded, Saints' Days, National An- 
niversaries, Family Fetes being carefully and elab- 
orately observed, and at no place was Christmas 
celebrated with more pomp and solemnity. 
Two San Antonio Christmas observances — the 
Pastores and Christmas Lamp — deserve special 
notice. The former was a species of dramatic 
performance intended to represent the Passion oi 
Christ, and given every night during Christmas 
week ; the latter was founded on the familiar legend 
that the Infant Jesus, descending from His Father's 
Heavenly Throne to His Virgin Mother's Arms, 
noticed a lighted lamp hanging near an humble home, 
and learning that it was intended to commemorate 
7 6 



The Alcalde'^ Daughter 



the guiding of the Magi by the Star of Bethlehem 
to His lowly manger, blessed the home and its inmates, 
leaving as visible marks of His Favor some desired 
presents. 

On Christmas Eve, I83-, much excitement pre- 
vailed at the Mission, it being announced that the 
Alcalde had contributed a generous sum towards 
improving and adorning the hall to be used for the 
Pastores, which would be represented on a hand- 
somer scale than ever before, and that Padre Ignacio, 
the San Fernando priest, who, officiating for many 
years at christenings, marriages, funerals, and hearing 
confessions, imposing penances or granting indul- 
gences — thus becoming the Alter Ego of devout San 
Antonians — had, yielding to the solicitations of some 
influential San Fernando parishioners, consented to 
bless the lamps in church, thus giving them public 
consecration. Heretofore, they had only been 
blessed privately. Many of them, a few being costly 
and ornate, were heirlooms, having belonged to the 
parents, grand-parents, great-grand-parents, of their 
owners, and being endeared by tender domestic 
associations. 

Until a certain age children were not allowed to 
handle Christmas lamps, their parents acting for 
them ; and attaining the prescribed age, were required 
by fasting and prayer to prepare themselves for the 



Christmas Under fhree nags 



ceremony, the failure of the Holy Child to notice 
their lamps and leave some mark of favor being- 
regarded as the severest of rebukes. An importance 
somewhat similar to the assuming of the toga by 
Roman youths, or to the reception by sovereigns of 
royal courtiers, was attached to the function. The 
plazas de Yslas y de Armas, adjoining San Fernando, 
generally crowded on afternoons with rancheros 
driving bargains or computing gains and losses, 
were filled on the Christmas Eve referred to with 
devout lamp -bearing worshippers wending their way 
to church. Padre Ignacio officiated at the Vesper 
service, then pronouncing the benediction retired to 
the Sacristy, where he laid aside his altar vestments 
and, returning to the church wearing his plain priestly 
robe, stood outside the chancel rail and awaited the 
lamp bearers desiring his blessing, Who, advancing 
in line, knelt before him. Taking each lamp in his 
hand he made over it the sign of the cross, and 
having blessed them all said solemnly : " Domwe, 
ad adjuvandem vos festina." It was an impressive 
scene, deeply moving the lamp-bearers, who, re- 
turning home, lighted and hung their lamps on 
previously-selected poles or bushes, where shining 
like stars in the quiet skies they seemed to reflect 
the simple, trusting faith characteristic of all sincere 
followers of Christ. 



The Alcalde's Daughter 

The Alcalde, deeply interested, burnished and 
prepared with his own hands his daughter's lamp, 
she being too young to do so herself ; then lighting 
it, hung it — ignoring his own preference for a 
secluded nook near her window — in an obscure 
angle of an unfrequented corner of the Alamo which 
she, as familiar with the Alamo as with her own 
home, had chosen. It happened to be just under the 
hall where Bowie, Crockett, Travis, and their brave 
comrades made their desperate stand some years 
later against Santa Anna and where, sealing with 
their blood their devotion to liberty and indepen- 
dence, they enriched human annals with that sub- 
limest of all sublime records. 



THE PASTORES 

Picture a large barn -like hall without doors or 
windows, hard dirt floor, rough-plastered walls on 
which some oil lamps and tallow candles in wooden 
brackets smoke and cast a dim spectral light. A 
platform raised about two feet above the floor and 
extending across the entire back of the hall serves as 
a stage, and some large, striped Mexican blankets do 
duty as a drop curtain. The actors remain all the 
time on the stage, those taking part in the scenes 
advance to the center, play their roles, then retire to 

79 



Christmas Under Three Tlags 



the sides where those not acting gather behind the 
curtain and are supposed to be invisible. There was 
no attempt at scenic effect, no applause, but absorbed, 
unflagging attention. In front of the stage were 
some large chairs, in which Don Pedro, Donna Inez 
and other distinguished personages were seated ; back 
of the chairs were rows of benches occupied by well- 
dressed men and women, and in open spaces behind 
and on the sides of the benches a motley crowd of 
women wearing rebosas and sewing, knitting, or 
plaiting and combing their hair, and men wearing 
sombreros and drinking pulque, smoking, or playing 
cards, sat flat on the floor. After rather a long wait, 
some musicians sitting near the stage sang to a guitar 
accompaniment some disconnected strains from 
church chants or masses. The curtain, parting and 
being drawn aside, discloses two men, the one fair, 
handsome and well-dressed, representing the Angel 
of God, the other dark, ugly, with a club foot and 
horns projecting above a lowering brow, representing 
the devil, who have an excited dispute about the ad- 
vent of the expected Redeemer. These two men 
appear in every scene. Then follow in regular suc- 
cession the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, 
Christ in the Temple, the Temptation, the Crucifixion, 
the Empty Sepulchre, all being taken literally from 
the Bible. In the last scene the Devil kneels before 
80 




The Alcalde's Daughter 



The Alcalde's Daughter 



the Angel of God, acknowledges the Divinity of 
Christ, and begs to be admitted to the community 
of the Redeemed. 

The Virgin was personated by a young, beautiful, 
pure-looking woman; Christ by a -handsome, re- 
fined youth ; Pontius Pilate by a large, vulgar-looking 
man ; Herodias by a saucy, bold girl ; Mary Magda- 
lene by a pale, forlorn looking woman. There were 
occasional intermissions during which the singers 
treated the audience to some rather sweet music. A 
cynic, marveling that the managers of the Pastores 
should select scenes from a Bible they never read, 
might describe the performance as a travesty of a 
faith they would die to defend, yet he would have to 
acknowledge the earnest interest taken by the audi- 
ence to be significant of the human sympathy always 
aroused by the story of Bethlehem. 

The most pleasant of Christmas Eve duties, ar- 
ranging the childrens' presents near or under the 
lighted lamps, followed the Pastores. Occasionally 
a lamp would be hung in a chapel or other preferred 
place not adjoining the family home, there being no 
danger of its being molested, a certain sacredness 
protecting both lamp and presents. 

Waking early, Jesusa crept on tip-toe from her 
little room and hurried to the spot where her lamp 



Christmas under Three nags 



had been hung, trembling with glad expectancy of 
the beautiful things she hoped to find there. A light 
still flickered in it, but there was nothing beneath or 
near it. What could it mean ? She stood a mo- 
ment spell-bound, then recalling some childish mis- 
demeanors she burst into tears, and falling on her 
knees, sobbed : " 1 have been wicked. I was not 
worthy of Thy favor, Holy Child of God ! Thou 
hast seen fit to punish me." Don Pedro and Donna 
Inez, hearing her leave the house, had followed her, 
wishing to see her delight at the pleasant surprises 
they had prepared for her. '' Wicked, indeed," said 
he; "the angels in heaven are not purer. Some 
thief has despoiled you. We'll catch him, punish 
him and force him to make restitution." 

Though slow to anger and prone to mercy, he 
was so incensed that he summoned the Mission 
Council to meet at once in his office to consider an 
important matter. A night guard at the Alamo 
testified that making his rounds he saw the white girl 
called Cana cross the street and go round the corner 
where the lamp hung ; that later he saw her again 
cross the street and return home, but that seeing her 
often playing with Jesusa he suspected nothing, and 
did not follow her. However, when relieved from 
duty, he picked up near the corner she had passed the 
dulces and ribbon end, which he there and then pro- 
8 4 



The Alcalde's Daughter 



duced. The Mexican woman with whom the child 
lived testified that early that morning Cana had di- 
vided with her children a box of dukes, and had 
given her a bow from which the ribbon end had evi- 
dently been detached, claiming to have found them. 
Cana when arrested and brought to the Alcalde's of- 
fice, denied bitterly any knowledge of either dulces 
or ribbon, then when cross-questioned she became 
confused and finally began crying: " ! knew where 
Jesusa meant to hang her lamp. 1 was curious to 
see what she had, then 1 don't know how or why I 
did it, 1 grabbed her things, carried them home and 
hid them in the hole at the foot of the hill." 

Jesusa, who had been sitting on a stool at her 
father's feet, slipped to Cana's side and gently took 
her hand. u Don't cry, Cana," said she. " You Ve 
done nothing wrong. You knew I would be willing 
for you to have them." " Senor Alcalde," said one 
of the Council, a tall, dark man with a loud, harsh 
voice, " justice and public safety demand the pun- 
ishment of criminals, and I move that this self -con- 
victed thief be fined twenty-five pesos and in default 
of payment of said fine that she be stripped and 
publicly flogged, then confined during Christmas 
week in the Mission jail." Cano, who, hanging his 
head in shame, had crouched behind the door, here 
sprang forward, fell on his knees and grasping Jesusa's 



Christmas Under Three Hags 

hand, prayed : "Oh! Jesusa, don't let them strip 
and flog: my sister. I have strong arms and keen 
eyes. I will work and earn the money to pay 
for the things Cana, poor little weak lamb, took. 
For the love of God, for the Holy Virgin's sake, don't 
let thsm whip her." Jesusa, kindly pressing his hand, 
said : " Have no fear," then throwing her arms round 
her father's neck, cried : "Padre mio, caro padre 
mio, you have never refused a request. Don't let 
them harm Cana." " Be quiet, my love " ; then turn- 
ing to the Junta he said firmly (and Don Pedro knew 
well how and when to assume the air of authority) : 
" 1 will pay this child's fine and give her the protec- 
tion of my home. I also adjourn the Junta." 

He then summoned the Mexican with whom the 
children lived and obtained from him the following 
story : 

" As has been my custom for some time, I went 
last year to the Comanche Camp on the Pecos for 
trading purposes, and while there noticed two white 
children whose miserable condition excited my pity 
and caused me to ask the chief who they were and 
where they came from. Evading my questions at 
first, he finally told me that he had stolen them while 
on a horse-raiding expedition to the Brazos ; that 
going through the woods late one evening near a house 
occupied by apparently well-to-do people, he saw the 

86 



The Alcalde's Daughter 



children gathering: pecans, and creeping up to them, 
seized them, strapped them to the back of his horse 
and fled, expecting to ransom them for a considerable 
sum. He sent an agent to make terms with the 
parents, but the agent, returning, reported that the 
affair had created such a stir he thought it unadvisable 
to broach the subject. I proposed a trade, and he 
agreed to take for them a mule, a bridle and a red 
blanket. I brought them home, intending to try for 
the ransom, but I did not know how to go about it." 
" Speaking of ransom, for how much could you, 
amigo mio, be induced to relinquish all claims to 
these children ? " asked the Alcalde. " Senor, you 
know me to be a poor man with a family to support, 
and needing money badly. Otherwise, I would pre- 
sent them to your honor. Would you be willing to 
offer twenty pesos ? " " Here are fifty pesos. Read 
and sign this agreement, which, as you will see, trans- 
fers to me your right and claim to them." 

Obtaining the requisite authority, the Alcalde 
engaged a man, known to be trustworthy, to take 
charge of the Americanos, go with them to the 
neighborhood designated, hunt up their parents and 
restore to them their stolen children. Supplying 
them with clothes and giving to each one a well-filled 
purse, the Alcalde said, on parting with them: 
" Never forget that you owe your deliverance from 



Christmas Under Three Hags 



captivity, and your restoration to home and friends, 
to Jesusa, and remember her in your prayers." 

The leave-taking between the two little girls could 
not have been more affecting had they been sisters, 
and Cano's trembling lips and tearful eyes as he bade 
Jesusa good-bye expressed more eloquently than 
words the grateful emotions surging in his brave 
boyish heart. In due time letters came from the 
rejoicing parents invoking God's blessing on the 
kind-hearted, generous Alcalde. Believing that their 
little ones had, lost in the woods, perished from 
starvation, or been drowned in the Brazos, they had 
mourned them as dead. 

The night following the disappointing morning 
and the harrowing scene in her father's office found 
little Jesusa ready for bed betimes. While she 
slept, Donna Inez, entering her room noiselessly, 
hung above her cot a picture depicting the healing 
of Jairus' daughter, and opposite a scroll inscribed, 
" Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain 
mercy," both scroll and picture being the work 
the Nuns at the Mission Convent, who, 
hearing of Jesusa's defense of Cana, aspired to 
play the part of rewarding spirits ; and nearby, a 
doll dressed as a queen and many playthings and 
trinkets calculated to please a little girl. 

Awaking and seeing the scroll, Jesusa supposed 



l.ofC. 




San Fernando Cathedral 



89 



The Alcalde's Daughter 

she must be dreaming, then noticing her other 
treasures, she sprang from bed, calling: " Come 
mad re, come padre; the angels have been here. 
See what they brought me. It must mean that the 
Holy Child smiles on me. You will go with me, 
will you not, carrissimos, to church and join me in 
grateful thanks for His Divine Favor," and the 
adoring parents, unrestrained by thoughts of super- 
stition or deception, encouraged their trusting child 
in her innocent delusion. 

Eventful changes fill the succeeding years. The 
Texas settlers in the towns and counties contiguous 
to San Antonio, finding the tyranny and injustice of 
the Mexican authorities intolerable, determine to 
throw off all allegiance to them and organize a 
separate, independent government. The wise and 
effective means of resistance adopted culminate in 
the struggles at Gonzales and Goliad, where the 
Texans win decisive victories. 

Emboldened by success, they advance on San 
Antonio, defended by General Cos with a large Mex- 
ican force, and after eight days of continuous skir- 
mishing compel him to surrender. Entering the town, 
they garrison the Alamo with Texas troops and hoist 
over it the Lone Star Flag. The Alcalde, loyal to 
duty, had rendered valuable assistance to the Mexican 
commander and, when the latter retreated, retired with 



Christmas Under Three Hags 



his family to his Salado ranch where, detained by 
Donna Inez's serious illness, he remained until the 
recapture of San Antonio by Santa Anna restored 
Mexican supremacy. His two eldest sons fell at 
Goliad, bravely defending their national colors, 
and the two younger ones were killed a year later in a 
skirmish on the Rio Grande. Returning to San 
Antonio the day after the massacre of the brave de- 
fenders of the Alamo, he was shocked at the atroc- 
ities committed by Santa Anna and, condemning 
them in unmeasured terms, kindly sought to alle- 
viate the sufferings of the Texans still remaining at 
the mission. 

The defeat of Santa Anna at San Jacinto and his 
subsequent inglorious return to Mexico, effectually 
relieved Texas from Mexican thraldom, though the 
alternate occupation of San Antonio by Texans 
under Hays and Howard, and by Mexicans under 
Vasquez and Woll, resulted in prolonging chaotic 
conditions there for some years. 

Don Pedro, gracefully yielding to the inevitable, 
made no effort to exercise his official functions after 
the organization of the Texas government. Known, 
however, as the Alcalde, he was deferred to by both 
Texans and Mexicans, and, always found acting with 
the upright and orderly, lost neither public respect 
nor influence. 

92 



The Alcalde's Daughter 

When General Sam Houston was elected and in- 
augurated President of the Republic of Texas the 
citizens of San Antonio invited him to visit their 
town, and, on his acceptance of the invitation, they 
determined to give him a public reception to con- 
clude with a ball and banquet. The Alcalde, asked 
to act as chairman c f the reception committee, sur- 
prised every one by agreeing to do so and by ad- 
vancing a handsome contribution towards defraying 
the expenses of the reception. The ball was given 
in the large hall of the Veramendi House and proved 
a gratifying success. President Houston was accom- 
panied by his Staff, Chief of which was a handsome 
young officer, Captain Osborn, who, enlisting as' a 
private at San Jacinto, had been promoted on the 
battlefield for conspicuous gallantry. He was selected 
to open the ball with the Alcalde's daughter, Don 
Pedro himself presenting him to her. Then in the 
efflorescence of her maidenly charms, Jesusa was so 
lovely, her voice was so musical, her manner so 
gracious, that all hearts involuntarily crowned her 
queen of love and beauty. 

And Captain Osborn, could he resist such fas- 
cinations ? Nous venous. Following the ball came 
a dinner at the Alcalde's, then other entertainments 
given by hospitable San Antonians, at all of which 
Captain Osborn was Jesusa's devoted attendant. 



Christmas Under Three Hags 



People smiled and said : " How well they suit ! 
What a fine match it would be ! " Captain Osborn 
accompanied the President back to Washington, the 
first Capital of Texas, but returned to San Antonio 
in a few weeks, when the Alcalde announced his 
daughter's betrothal to President Houston's Chief of 
Staff. 

One evening the lovers were walking together 
near the Alamo when he asked : " Do you remem- 
ber once hanging a Christmas lamp in the angle of 
that corner? " " Of course I do. It is one of the 
dearest of my childish memories." " And do you 
remember a little boy who once knelt to you in 
your father's office and implored you to protect his 
sister ? " " Oh ! " said she, the light of memory 
restoring the boyish cast to his features, and recall- 
ing as if by magic that exciting scene, " Can it be ? 
Yes, you must be, you are Cano." " The dream 
of my life, Jesusa, has been to meet you again, and 
meeting you, the most cherished hope of my heart 
has been to win your love." " Well, you have suc- 
ceeded," said she archly. 

Of course, Padre Ignacio, her life-long friend 
and confessor, who had christened her and blessed 
her at her first communion, officiated at the Nuptial 
Mass, and who could wonder if amid the decora- 
tions transforming the San Fernando altar into a 

04 



The Alcalde's Daughter 



mass of fragrant bloom there hung a Christmas 
lamp, whose flickering light, though obscured by the 
glorious sunshine flooding the church, cast a mild 
benison-like radiance over the young couple — brave 
soldier boy and maiden fair — plighting their wedded 
troth there, a radiance betokening faith, hope and 
undying love. 




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